Saturday, November 24, 2012

comparing fractions

Part of our curriculum is to teach our students how to compare fractions.  We focus a great deal on equipping students with strategies for doing this mentally.  They take part in an investigation where they 'discover' these mental strategies.  Though many students dislike the initially struggle, they realize that developing these mental strategies saves them time in the end.  If they just stop and THINK they can often discover which fraction is larger without ever even thinking about 'common denominators.' 

One reality is that sometimes the use of equivalent fractions is necessary and we ask the kids to use common denominators as a last resort. 

This foldable was created with the students AFTER the investigation and BEFORE the weekly quiz.  It was intended to be a summary reference piece.  I created it with the intention of it being used as a FLOWCHART.  If you look closely, students are asked to try one of the mental strategies at the top and then it is suggested that they move to the bottom of the foldable flowchart if one of the mental strategies did not apply.

{all folded up}                     {as you open}

 
{close up of mental strategies-outside}


  {close up of mental strategies-inside}
 
 
{what to do if one of the mental strategies doesn't work}

17 comments:

  1. Do you have this available for download? I LOVE the idea of the flowchart. I teach using the mental strategies first and then LCD, so this would be amazing!

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  2. Do you have a blackline of this?

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  3. Do you have one in which I can print and make copies of? I love this for my students

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  4. Do you have a copy to download of this? Love the idea

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  5. Is there a blackline master of this foldable?

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  6. I would love a blackline master as well! Pretty please?

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  7. Do you have a blackline master for this. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to use with my classroom

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  8. Would love a copy of this as well if you have one!

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  9. Hi! I was wondering if I may have a copy of this as well, please!

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  10. Hi,
    I appreciate your hard work and would also love a copy of this.

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  11. This goes perfectly with what I will be teaching this quarter as a long term sub. Would love a copy if you are sharing. Thanks!

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    1. Thank you so much! You can find it at http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Comparing-Fractions-Flowchart-Foldable

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  12. I am teaching this right now and would love a copy if you are sharing! Thank you!

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    Replies
    1. you can find it free at:

      http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Comparing-Fractions-Flowchart-Foldable

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  13. This is amazing. Thank you for the idea and the link.

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  14. great idea ,,thanks for sharing ...now time for me to share u back ,,here is how to comparing fraction ...take a look ,,

    http://www.math-worksheets.co.uk/133-tmd-how-to-compare-fractions/

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